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Best Clarinet Reviews

If you’re here just to find the best clarinet and really can’t afford to take the time to read the excellent reviews and buying advice prepared by our researchers, this short paragraph will highlight all the vital information. We have gathered a lot of information about different products in this specific category by checking out the reviews and ratings in various expert review sites for musical instruments and comparing those with actual owner feedback. Out of all the products we have looked at, we believe the Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB is number one because of its top quality black ebonite ABS body with durable nickel plated keys, so you can play your favorite musical pieces and enjoy good performance every time. The adjustable thumb rest provides an ergonomic design that lets you maintain your hand in a relaxed playing position to prevent the easy onset of hand fatigue. To ensure you can enjoy out-of-the-box functionality, the instrument ships with everything you need for successful playing including a mouthpiece and a box of ten 2.5-inch reeds. The supplied pair of gloves, cleaning cloth and cork grease also simplify playing as well as cleaning or maintenance, while the hardshell case enables hassle-free transport and storage. If the Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB runs out of stock because of its huge popularity, you could get the Jean Paul USA CL-300, as it is the second best option.

Comparison table

Made with a high-grade black ebonite ABS body, this clarinet is equipped with durable nickel plated keys that ensure problem-free playing, making it the best one on the market. The adjustable thumb rest on the inline trill keys provide control to enhance your music playing experience.

If you are looking for a decent yet inexpensive musical instrument, this product is the answer. The carrying case may be slightly bulkier than other similar cases but it has a nice carrying strap and handles for hassle-free transport and storage of the instrument.

Shipped to you in its own hard-shell case, this clarinet allows out-of-the-box functionality with the supplied mouthpiece, plus a box of 10 reeds, cork grease, cleaning cloth, along with a pair of gloves. It also comes with superb bonuses to help you enjoy great playing experience.

Serving as a great beginner Clarinet, this model is in key of Bb so it can be used to play a very large repertoire of written music. The strong contoured carrying case ensures easy transport and storage while protecting the instrument and its essential components.

A user has noted that the keys on this instrument tend to bend easily out of alignment, which is basically a design issue on the metalwork. However, majority of users consider this a good student clarinet that makes a suitable transition instrument.

Combining a beautiful design and robust sound production, this clarinet makes an ideal instrument for non-professional applications. Easy to play and well-balanced, this model helps students hone their playing skills while providing a less expensive option.

Nicely patterned after professional Yamaha models, this instrument offers a focused tone thanks to its 65mm barrel. The adjustable thumb rest with strap ring helps you maintain a relaxed hand position while helping with better performance.

The manufacturer ships two types of carrying cases: a hardshell case and a semi-hard one. The choice of cases will largely depend on the availability of the case type so the buyer may need to verify if their preferred type is available to avoid issues after product delivery.

Yamaha is known for superb instrument performance and this clarinet is no exception. It makes a good type of entry-level instrument that has been redesigned with superior quality materials to ensure durability.

Buying guide

If you’ve decided that a clarinet is the instrument for you, the next step is to go out and buy one. This is often easier said than done, especially when you consider all of your options. There are several makes and models to choose from, both new and refurbished. While a used instrument can be a perfectly good option, in general most musicians recommend purchasing a new one. In this buying guide you will find informative tips that will make it easier for you to find the instrument that could turn you into the best clarinet player ever.

Price

One of the first aspects to consider is the price of the instrument, and this will depend on several factors. The materials used in construction, number of keys and even the manufacturer will all affect its price. How long and often you intended to play the clarinet should also be considered, along with where it will be used.

As stated earlier you can find refurbished instruments at a relatively cheap price, but they often do not come with warranties and can be a case of “buyer beware”. The same is also true for instruments bought at wholesale stores. The price might be designed to fit any budget, but these clarinets are often cheaply made and it can often cost more to fix them than they are actually worth. In most cases it is worth it to pay a little more for a new, well constructed instrument that is designed to last through years of play.

Body

The body of a clarinet generally consists of three parts, and each one should be made from the same material. This will ensure an even tone, regardless of where you are playing. Often the best clarinet for beginners will be constructed from plastic. This material is durable, can often survive bumps and falls, and is usually priced lower than ones made of wood.

Wood clarinets are priced higher, but they are capable of producing the best tones. Often the best clarinets for intermediate players are constructed from wood. It is important to remember that moisture and heat can cause the wood to warp, which might not make this the best choice if you are playing in the school’s marching band. Due to the high expense of wood, many intermediate and professional players are also choosing to use instruments constructed from resin or hard rubber.

Both of these materials are capable of producing a rich and even tone, but are noticeably lower in price. Resin and rubber can also withstand the rigors of being used in a marching band, and are a great choice for traveling musicians due to their durability.

Other considerations

There are a few other aspects to consider when you are trying to choose a clarinet. The bore style or inside dimensions will affect the sound. The best clarinet for students will usually come with a smaller bore since this makes them easier to tune. A larger bore allows for more flexibility in pitch and tone and are often used by professional musicians. Even though the ligature is a small piece, it is important to make sure that yours is designed to allow the reed to vibrate freely so you can produce the full rich sound the instrument is known for.

When it comes to the keys on a clarinet it is often a matter of personal taste and style. Usually the keys are nickel or silver plated and each has its own advantages. Silver plated keys have a nice feel when you are playing, but since they are also prone to rust they are not recommended for use outside. Nickel plated keys are still shiny, but are resistant to rust and generally considered more durable. If you really want to be noticed and money is not a concern you can even find clarinets that come with gold plated keys.

If your clarinet ever has a problem with tone you might want to consider replacing the barrel. This small piece is part of the body, and is relatively inexpensive to replace. Just remember to choose one that is constructed from the same material as the rest of the body or you will continue to have problems tuning your instrument.

The clarinet has been a popular instrument for years. It is standard in marching bands and orchestras. Jazz and big bands also feature clarinets, and these instruments can also be fun to play. While we can’t choose the right model for you we can help you make an informed decision, which is why we have the best clarinets showcased below.

Top Clarinets in 2018

A beginner or advanced player of the clarinet may go through several different units during their entire music playing career. It is important to know what things to consider in buying a clarinet in order to ensure you’re getting a quality product you will enjoy using for years. Here are three bestselling products that deserve a second look.

Made with a high-grade black ebonite ABS body with rough nickel plated keys, the Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB Black Ebonite B Flat Clarinet has an adjustable thumb rest and inline trill keys. This helps you play according to your comfort level. The clarinet is tested at the factory then inspected again by the company’s skilled technicians at their Los Angeles distribution center before it gets shipped. The clarinet owner’s manual outlines the different processes involved in assembling the instrument. The joints just need to be treated with cork grease to help make assembly easy.

The Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB Black Ebonite B Flat Clarinet ships with a hard shell case, simplifying transportability. It also comes with a mouthpiece, a box of 10 pieces of 2.5-inch reeds, a pair of gloves and a cleaning cloth. As an added bonus, the instrument also comes with a clarinet pocketbook and a foldable clarinet stand. Available in black, blue, green, purple, pink, red and white, the Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB Black Ebonite B Flat Clarinet comes with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects, which serves as your assurance of premium quality and workmanship.

The Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB Black Ebonite B Flat Clarinet helps first time players get a genuine feel of professional music playing. The compact clarinet stand even stores inside the clarinet bell, for simplified use.

Jean Paul USA CL-300

It’s easy to see why the Jean Paul USA CL-300 has earned recognition as Amazon’s Choice for a great beginner Clarinet. Aside from its elegant construction, this instrument comes with quality components to make it a great student instrument.

Pros

This model comes to you in key of Bb, which to this day is the most widely used form for this type of musical instrument. Being a B-flat clarinet, this tool can be used for all kinds of music, from marching tunes to classical Mozart pieces, but is most especially popular in swing, Dixieland and jazz. This is the ideal student level clarinet that enables users to easily transition to the flute or saxophone in the future.

The lovely ebonite body material is supplemented with a Boehm 17 key system, which delivers a more open tone compared to the veiled tone of pre-Boehm clarinets. Since it doesn’t depend on cross- and fork-fingerings, this system allows a more vibrant tone as well, largely improving your technical facility for consequential improvement in the accuracy of playing fast passages.

This is an easy-to-play instrument that offers a well-centered tool for you to hone your skills for smooth playing while delivering efficient sonic response. You can get a strong projection thanks to the cylindrical bore, which also generates a wide variety of tones to help learners improve considerably.

This model comes with a number of extras that enable you to play right out of the box. The included items include Rico reeds and gloves. The supplied cleaning cloth and cork grease ensure hassle-free cleaning and maintenance, while the contoured carrying case provides problem-free transport and storage.

Cons

Great care has been taken in the making of every component in this clarinet. That being said, like most other tools that are heavily used with the hand, this clarinet’s keys tend to bend easily, which can be attributed to a design flaw that balances effortless, smooth playability and hassle-free functionality. It should not be taken as a huge drawback since the instrument delivers good sound with every proper press and air blow.

Yamaha YCL-255

A newly reengineered Bb clarinet, the Yamaha YCL-255 carries a design inspired by existing professional models from the same brand. This clarinet was created using cutting-edge instrument expertise along with high-end features inherent in any Yamaha product.

Pros

The adjustable thumb rest with strap ring provides a component that can be lowered or raised from the position of the regular thumb rest, giving you a relaxed position for your hand to help avoid fatigue. It also enables you to achieve better playing performance.

This redesigned B-flat clarinet enables you to use a good crossover instrument that makes it easy to use a flute or saxophone in the future. Moreover, it allows you to select from a wide range of tunes to play, which is basically a vast repertoire of music from classical to marching tunes, but most especially Dixieland, jazz and swing.

The matte ABS resin body ensures reliable durability despite its light design. It is resistant to cracking and is also resilient against hot and cold temperature fluctuations.

Delivering a warm, resonant tone, this instrument allows you to get a focused tone to develop your instrument playing skills and gain confidence as you go along, much like you are using a wood clarinet.

Cons

This product ships with either a hard case or a semi-hard case. The choice is dictated by the availability of either types of cases, so to make sure you know what you are getting, check for this element first prior to placing your order.

Legacy CL750

One of the reasons this clarinet by Legacy is so popular with beginners and intermediate players is the fact that it is usually priced up to 50 percent lower than similar instruments. Even though this clarinet comes at an affordable price it is still capable of producing the rich tones that you want to hear. All three pieces of the body are constructed from the same durable plastic. This ensures that the clarinet can survive a few bumps without breaking. Its durable construction also makes it great for use in a marching band or for musicians that frequently travel.

The keys are silver plated to provide you with an exception feel, and they also give the instrument an elegant and professional appearance. It even comes with Italian made pads that are designed to cover the holes perfectly so no air can escape when the keys are pressed firmly down. It is important to keep the pads dry so they do not rot or disintegrate. As an added bonus this clarinet also comes with a convenient case that will protect the instrument when it is not being used.

Jean Paul CL-300

Students and professional musicians will appreciate how easy this clarinet is to tune, along with its impressive rich sound. It also comes at an affordable price that almost any student musician can afford. The body is constructed from ebonite that also helps to boost sound quality, and the durable construction makes this clarinet perfect for use in marching bands or for traveling musicians. To make it even easier to take this instrument with you it even comes with a convenient carrying case.

Since it comes with the standard 17 key Boehm system it is easy for students to learn how to play. The keys are also nickel plated so they are durable and will retain their shiny appearance with minimal care and cleaning. The overall sound quality is further enhanced with the wide bore, and this also makes it easier to achieve a wide range of tones. With reeds, cork grease, gloves and a cleaning cloth everything you need to start playing is included with this clarinet.

Buffet Crampon E11

If you are a looking for an intermediate clarinet this high quality instrument by Buffet Crampon might be the perfect choice for you. It comes with everything a player needs to get started, and it is even backed by a two year warranty so you know that you are getting a good value for your money. Along with the protective carrying case, it also comes with a mouthpiece, ligature, reeds, and cork grease. These is also a convenient soft clean so you can keep the clarinet clean. It is particularly important to thoroughly wipe the mouthpiece after each use since germs and bacteria can easily build up.

Since this clarinet is constructed from wood you will able to produce rich full sounds. This also means that you probably don’t want to use this instrument outdoors since moisture and humidity can cause the body to warp. The silver plated keys have a nice feel, and look great under stage lights when you are playing with the band. Thanks to the well fitting pads air will rarely leak from the holes when the keys are pressed, though you do want to make sure that they don’t get wet.

Reliably durable and producing a good sound quality, the Yamaha YCL250 deserves to be the best clarinet 2018 for many users. It is designed as a student model, incorporating some of the class-leading qualities of the brand’s professional and custom clarinets. This instrument will never have a weak sound, nor will it suffer from being out of tune. The YCL-250 aids in projection, producing clear sound, and also improves intonation when hitting lower notes. This terrific instrument is built for the rigorous lifestyle that student musicians often have to go through.

The Yamaha YCL250 Clarinet is a plastic model, but its capability is reminiscent of a higher end wood model thanks to its elegant matte finish. Highly recommended for beginners, the Yamaha YCL250 Clarinet offers solid value to users. It has the best fit and finish at its specific price point. It even comes with a terrific smart-looking case that you would love to carry anywhere. The Yamaha YCL250 Clarinet offers a great instrument to practice beginner skills on.

Producing high quality sound, the clarinet ships with starter accessories that include cleaning cloths for both inside and out, cork grease, a #3 reed and a handbook to help you along.

Featured in a lot of the best clarinet reviews, the Hisonic Signature Series 2610 Bb model is a beautiful looking instrument designed to produce good tone quality. Made to be easy to play, the Hisonic Signature Series 2610 Bb Clarinet has Prestini pads made in the USA, which absorb the spit and prevent the keys from sticking thanks to the finest pad components they are made of. The nickel-silver keys have a distinct bright tone that will ensure pleasurable use of the clarinet for years.

The clarinet is made of ebonite, ensuring durability and a solid build for years and years of use. The Hisonic Signature Series 2610 Bb Clarinet is a robust instrument to grow with. It produces a distinctly clear centered tone that is perfect for most types of performances. The instrument ships with special accessories including cork grease and a clarinet swab for cleaning. It also comes with its own plush-lined protective case and a mouthpiece with reed protector.

This Bb Soprano clarinet is the standard instrument of choice for a jazz, orchestra or marching band. It carries a one-year limited warranty with a warranty card attached, which is your proof of total quality and craftsmanship. It’s been used in many schools and colleges.